Hunter Chase Betting Service

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

Wincanton – Thursday, March 11th

ALPHABETICAL – Interesting recruit to this sphere, having won three out of his last four chases at up to a sharp 2m6f when last seen in late 2008 (the latest off 127). Made an encouraging Hunter Chase debut at Newbury last week when the extended 2m6f on easy ground was slightly too far for him. Needs good ground which he will get today, has won around here and looks to have leading claims.

I HEAR THUNDER – Six wins from 50 starts in chases (including over 3m4f here), the final two coming over 2m6f at Fontwell in 2009. Extremely well suited by good ground and although he has a little to find on official ratings with the likes of Alphabetical, has always been a most genuine sort who should adapt well to this sphere. Has an in-form rider on board.

LOITA HILLS – The winner of three of his last five starts when last seen in ’08, all on right-handed tracks, but missed 2009. Has run well after a break in the past and stable had a first time out winner in this sphere the other day. Conditions will suit.

CARRICK OSCAR – Lightly raced type who won a fair novice chase at Worcester on good/soft (extended 2m4f) last summer. Sound chance at these weights on his Hunter Chase debut but wouldn’t want the ground to quicken up any more as he has had leg problems.

LINDSAY – Would have struggled against some of these at level even at his peak and his 7L third to a heavily eased winner in a Mens Open at Cottenham is about as good as he is nowadays; has winning form over this course and distance.

ORGANIZ – Arrived on these shores with a lofty reputation but has proved to be very disappointing, with his only success coming in a modest 2m affair at Folkestone at the back end of last season. Still mainly unproven over much further than that and generally finds nothing when push comes to shove. Not without a chance at the weights but the percentage call is to oppose.

WHO ELSE KNEW – Generally most consistent, if a little hard to win with, and his sole success last season came in a weaker renewal of this race. Has taken time to come to hand this season and was no match for Foxhunters hope Sericina at Taunton last time out. Acts on good but ideally suited by softer ground, so a place is probably the best he can hope for this time around.

BEAU SUPREME – Fairly lightly raced for a 13yo, with the last of his three wins coming in a firm ground Hunter Chase at Exeter in April ’07. Not at his best in ’08, missed ’09 and finished last (way behind Who Else Knew) on his comeback this season. Likely to improve for the run but still can’t be fancied at present.

CURRADOON – Moderate performer who has trouble negotiating regulation fences although he did manage to finish a surprise second at Worcester last season despite making a multitude of errors. 37L last on his comeback at Barbury and although this drop in trip will suit, can’t realistically be fancied against this calibre of opponent.

LIGHT DES MULOTTES – Free running sort who has shown precious little this season after a year off (hasn’t looked fit); easily ignored here.

THE BOSS ROCHE – Poor performer in Ireland but has found his niche in south-western Points; after pulling up at Taunton won three out of his next four in notably fast times. Not seen since Richard Woollacott performed miracles to finish third at Upcott in late May (rode virtually the whole race with no irons) and he has to prove his fitness after a break, but looks well worth another crack at this grade. Speedy, and the drop in trip is unlikely to be an inconvenience.

THUNDER CHILD – Excitable sort who has refused to race on numerous occasions in the past; Pointing form last season looked moderate and he was pulled up on his comeback at Great Trethew after typically getting steamed up in the preliminaries.

YOULBESOLUCKY – Won a couple of fast ground chases in summer ’06 but lightly raced and not as good since; placed in this company last season but essentially onepaced and easy to beat in decent company these days, and has fitness to prove on this return to action (pulled up on his comeback last season).

Conclusion – Some decent ex-Rules performers here; Philip Hobbs has a winner in this sphere the other day so Loita Hills must be respected, while the veteran I Hear Thunder is a very likeable type who looks bound to go well, but Alphabetical ran with extreme promise at Newbury and this slightly easier test of stamina will be right up his street. The Boss Roche, if fit, wouldn’t be without a chance at a price.